Leave of Absence (LOA): FMLA/CFRA & Other Eligible Leaves

Overview

A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows eligible employees of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) to take time away from work for medical, family, personal, or other qualifying reasons while maintaining certain employment protections. Leaves may be paid or unpaid depending on the type of leave and the employee’s accrued time off. The most common types of leave include:

• FMLA/CFRA Leave: Job-protected leave for your own serious health condition, caring for a family member, or baby bonding.
• Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Unpaid leave for pregnancy, childbirth, loss of pregnancy, or pregnancy-related conditions.
• Personal Leave: Unpaid leave for non-medical, discretionary reasons.
• Disability Leave: Leave due to a temporary or permanent disability (as applicable).
• Other Leaves: May include bereavement, jury duty, or military leave, depending on eligibility and policy.

FMLA/CFRA

In compliance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), UEI provides eligible employees with job-protected leave under this policy.

• Up to twelve (12) weeks of leave is available within a twelve (12) month period for eligible family and medical reasons or qualifying exigencies related to a military member’s active duty.
• Employees may take leave unpaid or elect to use accrued time off.
• For full policy details, see Policy 520.

Note: FMLA/CFRA does not provide income replacement, but employees may be eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) through the Employment Development Department (EDD). UEI Payroll can integrate these payments with accrued time off, extending your paid leave. SDI/PFL generally replaces only part of your pay.

Payroll Contact: (916) 278-7427
EDD Info: EDD Website

Reasons to Apply for FMLA/CFRA

• Serious illness or health condition
• Surgery
• Care for a spouse, child, or eligible family member with a serious illness or health condition
• Pregnancy-related leave (FMLA/CFRA/PDL)
• Baby bonding
• Paternity leave

Eligibility

To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must:

1. Have been employed for at least 1 year
2. Worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period preceding the leave

Any employee, including part-time or temporary employees who meet the above criteria, is eligible subject to this policy and applicable laws.

Other Leaves (May Overlap with FMLA/CFRA)

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)

• Provides unpaid, job-protected leave for pregnancy, childbirth, loss of pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions.
• Eligible employees may take up to four months while disabled due to pregnancy.
• Employment duration and hours worked requirements do not apply.

How to Request a Leave

Step 1: Provide Notice

• For foreseeable leave, provide 30 days advance notice to your manager and HR.
• If 30 days is not possible, provide notice as soon as possible.

Step 2: Contact HR with Questions

• Jacee Alvarez, UEI HR Department
• Email: [email protected]

Step 3: Submit Your Request

• Use UEIWorkforce to submit your leave request.
• If you do not have access to UEIWorkforce, complete the Request for Leave Form.

Forms & Job Aids

Resource	Purpose
Request for Leave Form	Use if you do not have access to UEIWorkforce
UEI – Medical Certification for FMLA-CFRA	Required for medical leaves
Sick-Vacation Leave Form	Use if integrating accrued time off
Job Aid – Requesting a Leave of Absence	Step-by-step instructions in UEIWorkforce

Tips & Reminders

• Apply as early as possible to allow for HR processing
• Documentation is required for medical and certain family leaves
• SDI/PFL benefits are independent of FMLA approval
• Maintain communication with HR during your leave to avoid complications

Need Help?

Submit a ticket through the HR Helpdesk (HappyFox):
Category: Leave of Absence